Gas weight flow computer



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' n GAS WEIGHT FLow COMPUTER Filed Nov. 6, 1962 y l '7 Sheets-Sheet 7 MM VS7/1%" United States Patent O 1 3,278,728 GAS WEIGHT FLOW COMPUTER Sam P. Ragsdale, 1125 Potter Blvd., Tullahoma, Tenn. Filed Nov. 6, 1962, Ser. No. 235,694 Claims. (Cl. 23S-151.34)

This invention relates to a device for providing a continuous, on-line solution to the theoretical gas flow equation.

One object of the invention is to provide a gas weight flow computer lcapable of operation remote from where the ow is measured. v

Another Iobject is to provide a gas weight llow computer wherein the solution is in the form of an electrical voltage suitable for application to indicators, recorders or automatic control systems.

These and other objects will be more fully understood from the following detailed description taken with the drawing wherein:

FIG. 1 shows a schematic block diagram of gas weight ow computer system according to the invention;

FIG. 2 shows the plot of f(Pd/Pu) as -a function of the pressure ratio Pri/Pu for air;

FIG. 3 shows the plot for N as a function of Pd/Pu for various values of 'yg FIG. 4 shows a circuit schematic for the divide circuit of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 shows a circuit schematic for an amplifier which may be used for the ampliers in the device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a circuit schematic for the function generator of the device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 shows the output #Pd/Pm) as a function of pressure ratio for the device of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 shows the rst multiplication circuit of the device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 shows the second multiplication circuit of the device of FIG. l;

FIG. 10 shows a block diagram for the power supply connections forV the device of FIG. l;

FIG. l1 shows a circuit schematic for a power supply which may be used with the device of FIG. 10; and v FIG. 12 is a circuit schematic partially in block form for the gas weight ow computer of FIG. 1.

With reference to FIG. 1 of the drawing, the theoretical gasweight flow for the ow of gas through a restriction of area Ay is given by the following expression:

where when 3,278,728 Patented Oct. 11, 1966 ICC when

The function is made somewhat simpler if it is normalized by writing a new function:

fsa: FPi) For a restriction having an isentropic inlet, C1 is ideally equal to one (Cf=l). For well designed and known contour inlets Cf may be calculated by determining the effect of flow angularity and the effective reduction in throat area due to boundary layer. However, Cf would normally be determined expeiimentally for small area restrictions (less than 12 square inches) and for larger areas data would be extrapolated. The procedure would be to cornpare the actual flow as measured with a standard to the flow indicated by the Gas Weight Flow Computer with Cf set equal to 1. Then Cf would be the ratio of actual gas weight flow to theoretical gas weight llow.

The function f(Pd/Pu) may be determined for each gas and is shown in FIG. 2 for air ('y=l.4).

The quantity involving 7, M, g and R is constant for each gas so that the .actual weight flow equation may be written:

Wactual=CWtheoretlcal L what ll .7.

with the values for K and Fy for Various gases given in the following table:

where and Gas 'y K N2 1. 40 523 Air 1. 40 532 Og l. 40 560 Ar 1. 67 663 C On 1. 30 630 The function #Pd/Pu) for these gases may be determined from the following expression:

Pd Pd `ducers 10 and 11 sense the pressure upstream of the restriction A in duct 12. The temperature upstream is B sensed by a temperature sensing means 13, such as a temperature sensitive resistance element. The downstream pressure is sensed by a pressure transducer 14. Pressure transducers 10, 11 and 14 are potentiometer-type pressure transducers.

The first Voperation performed in the computer is the determination of the pressure ratio P11/P111 in the divide circuit 15 as will be explained later. The output of the divide circuit is applied to a function generator 16 to provide an output as a function of pressure ratio Pd/P111 as shown in FIG. 2 The output of the function generator is applied to multiplication circuit 17 to provide multiplication by Pu2/\/0 by use of pressure transducer 11 and temperature sensor 13. The output of multiplication c-ircuit 17 is applied to multiplication circuit 18 to provide multiplication by A and C1. The output of the second multiplication circuit 18 is applied to a utilization device shown as a meter 19. Power for the various elements is supplied by .a power supply 20 which has a 115 volt, 60 cycle input.

To provide the pressure ratio P11/P111 an operational amplifier is used with the pressure transducers 10 and 14 in the manner shown in FIG. 4. The amplifier used is powered by an electronically regulated power supply, it is chopper stabilized and has an output range i100 volts. It has an infinite gain, infinite input impedance and practically zero output impedance. One such amplifier is shown in FIG. which is the circuit schematic for the Philbrick Universal Stabilized Amplifier Model USA-3. Assuming infinite gain and infinite input impedance the following equation can be written for the circuit of FIG. 4:

v KlER-Rl-l'Rf-K2e1=0 from which KiER K213i Ri 'i- Rf (10) Since we have. assumed infinite gain in the amplifier, the voltage, eg, at the summing junction 21 must vbe zero. Thus,

LER-,RFO (11) Substituting i from Equation (l0) into Equation (1l): e1=(K1/K2)(Rf/R1)ER (12) K1 and K2 represent the percent of resistance from the ends of the pots to the wipers. This can be expressed as the ratio of pressure to 'full-scale pressure of the pot. Thus,

The pressure ratio signal P11/P111 is applied to the function generator shown in FIG. 6 wherein the function HP11/P111) is generated in segments as shown in FIG. 7. The curve shown in FIG. 7 is an approximation of the curve shown in FIG. 2.

When the pressure ratio is one, e1 has the value ER. For ratios less than one it has a value less than ER. The .1 meg. resistors 22 form summing junctions at the anodes of each of the diodes D1, D2, D3 and D4. The bias voltages V1, V2, V3 and V4 are negative and keepI the diodes from conducting until e1 exceeds each of these levels. The -bias voltages are derived from a voltage divider circuit which has the volt-age ER applied to it. R1, R2, R3 and R4 are slope adjustment resistors. The break-point of each segment is fixed by the bias voltages and the slope can be adjusted over a range to closely fit the functions of common gases.

The amplier A2 may also be an amplifier of the type shown in FIG. 5.

For small pressure ratios, the restriction is choked, e1 is small, the diodes are biased off, and the output voltage, e2 IS ER.

ez="*Rf/Rf(-ER) :ER (14) As the pressure ratio increases (e1 [V1|), diode D1 starts to conduct and the slope of the first segment is I As the pressure ratio increases further (e1 [V2l) diode D2 starts to conduct giving a new slope of -1/2 (R1/R1-|-R1/R2) The same procedure is repeated until all the diodes conand the voltage The change in RT with temperature is such that theifactor (IOK/RT-i-IOK) approximates 1/\/ over a large temperature range. Texas Instruments TC-l/S Sensitor has been used in this application. Thus e3 is proportional 10 (Pu2/\/0)f(Pd/Pu1)ER As shown in FIGS. 9 and 12, the voltage E3 is applied to a potentiometer 23 through an amplifier A3, which may also be of the type shown in FIG. 5. Potentiometer 23 would normally be a precision l0-turn potentiometer with dial. The dial is divided into 100 increments per turn, making it possible to set to within one unit out of 1000. Since the loading on potentiometer 23 is negligible, the mathematical value of the measured area of the restriction times Cf is set by turning the dial to this number. For example, if AC1=.241, this would be two turns of the dial plus 4l increments of the third turn. If AC1 were I '-greater than 1, then AC1/ 10 could be set and the 10-factor would be included in the gain of amplifier 3. Where the area A of the restriction is not fixed but varies such as in the case lof a valve the area potentiometer slider 24 may be geared to the valve.

Thus, the output e4 is proportional to The manner in which K is inserted has not been described,

however, this will be covered in the description of the 'shown in block form in this figure. The letters in the blocks 28, 29, 30 in FIG. l0 correspond to the corresponding letters on the power leads of the amplifier in FIG. 5. The filament circuit connected at H and I is not shown in FIG.4 5. lSince three such amplifiers are used each of these will have the same corresponding connections. The voltage ER=10 volts is provided lby means of a voltage divider 33, connected to the output of the negative regulated voltage supply 32 to provide a substantially fixed value of ER. Though not shown specifically in this figure, the chassis of the amplifiers is connected to ground.

The calibration of the device of the invention will be explained with respect to FIG. 12 wherein the pressure transducers and temperature sensor appear in the circuit to make the explanation more complete and simpler. Also shown in this figure are la calibration switch S1 and a meter switch S2. Position 1 of switch S1 shows the normal operating position. Position 2 is for calibration of the computer as will be explained later. Position 3 provides for a simulated P2 pressure vvariable by adjustment of Rc Position3 makes it possible to provide various simulated pressure ratiosvfor the computer. In positions 2 land 3 of switch S1, a trimpot 35 is connected in the circuit for use in the calibration." v

Switch S2 is for connecting the meter for normal operation in position 1, to the output of the function generator in position 2 and the input of the function generatorin position 3.

A,With switch S1 in position 2 and S2 in position 2 the computer is ready for calibration. A pressure ratio of .4l is simulated electrically. This corresponds to a condition of choked ow for which the output of the function generator is ER. RM is then :adjusted to' provide a full scale reading on the meter. By making the meter read full scale for ER volts the ER term is canceled from all of the transfer functions. v

1 The next step in setting up the computer is to calibrate the function generator for the ratio function of the gas bein-g measured. Switch S1 would be turned to position 3 so that the input to the function generator can be varied. The break points have been shown to be at .6, .7, .8, and .9 E11. The value of HP2/P2) at these points wouldbe determined and set by adjusting the appropriate slope controls (R1, R2, R3 and R4). As explained above the output and input of the function generator can be read on M1 by switching S2 between position 2 and position 3.

Then, after setting the dial on potentiometer. 23 for the proper air flow coefficient and area, the only calibration step left is to set the gain of amplifier 3, which automatically inserts the constant K into the computer. This is done by setting the trimpot to simulate calibration conditions fortransducer P22 and theternperature sensor. Suppose the computer is to be calibrated for 2 lb./sec. full scale air ow with the function generator already set. Also, suppose the restriction area is .2 sq. in., C1=1 and the temperature at which to calibrate is `69 F.

This is the pressure necessaryto drive 2 lbs/sec. of air through .2 sq, in. of area at 69 F. With la 3000 p.s.i.g. 10,000 ohm potentiometer pressure transducer, the wiper would be set at 434-14.7/3000 X 10,000: 1397 ohms up from the ground end of the potentiometer.

In terms of the fractional part of the total resistance that is 1397/ 10,000=.1397. However, the pressure potentiometer P22 has the temperature in series with it which has a resistance of 980 ohms at -6'9 F. so that the fractional vsetting of the trimpot should be A laboratory type of Wheatstone Bridge may be used for setting the trimpot.

After the trimpot is set it is connected as shown in FIG. l2. Switch S1 is put in position 2 and switch S2 in position 1 and Rg is adjusted to set the gain of ampli- Iier 3 to give full scale reading on the meter.

A trim adjustment resistor 38 is provided at the bottom of P22 to correct for end resistance in the pressure transducer P22, since some pressure transducers have a slight resistance at zero pressure. To make this adjustment S1 is put in position 1 and' S2 is left in position 1. Resistor 38 is then adjusted for zero reading on the meter.

With switches S1 and S2 both placed in position 1 the computer is ready for operation.

While the calibration has been described with respect to air the computer may be similarly calibrated of other gases.

There is thus provided a device for providing an onthe-line solution to the gas weight flow equation.

While certain specication embodiments have been described in detail, it is obvious that numerous changes may be made without departing from the general principle and scope of the invention.

I claim:

1. A device for computing the gas weight flow of a gas through =a restriction in a conduit, comprising: a first means for continuously measuring the pressure (P21) upstream of said restriction, means for continuously measuring the pressure (P2) downstream of said restriction, means for continuously producing a first electrical signal proportional to the ratio of said downstream pressure and said upstream pressure, means, responsive rto said ratio signal, for producing a second signal proportional to HP11/P111) equal to 'y-l-l U2 baril-(af v a 1+ 1 1/2 Layla) Pul Pu] L 2 )'y-l ^1-1-1 between the limits between the limits l 0 FIJ-l and equal to (Pug/V5) NPs/Pm) means for multiplying said third electrical signal by a value proportional to the flow coeicient for the restriction and a value proportional to the area of said restriction to thereby produce a fourth electrical signal proportionalto the gas Weight flow.

2. A device for computing the gas weight flow of a gas through a restriction in a conduit, comprising: a lirst potentiometer-type pressure transducer for continuously measuring the .pressure I1-"2 downstream of sai-d restriction and having one end connected to a powersupply, a second potentiometer-type pressure transducer for continuously measuring the .pressure P21 upstream of said restriction and having one terminal connected in common with the other end of said rst pressure transducer, a

pair of equal resistance elements connected between the movable contact of said pressure transducers, a high lgain amplifier lhaving a infinite input impedance and negligible output impedance connected between the junction of said pair of resistance elements and the other end of said secon-d pressure transducer to thereby provide a first electrical signal proportional to the ratio of said downstream pressure and said upstream pressure, means, responsive to the output of said amplifier, Ifor producing a second electrical signal proportion to ;f(Pd/Pu1) equal to and equal to Y 2 T Pd t+1) 1 with 'y equal to the ratio of the specific heats Iof the gas, a second means for continuously measuring the pressure Pug upstream -of said restriction-and for producing an electrical signal proportional to Pug, means for continuously producing a electrical signal 1/\/0, 0 being proportional to the temperature of the gas upstream Iof said restriction, means for multiplying said second signal by Pu2/\/0 to thereby produce a third electrical signal having a value proportional to means for multiplying said third signal by a value proportional to the flow coefficient for the restriction and a value proportional to the area of said restriction to thereby produce a fourth electrical signal proportional to the gas weight ow.

3. A device for computing the gas weight flow of a gas through a restriction in a conduit, comprising: a first potentiometer-type pressure transducer for continuously measuring the pressu-re downstream of said restriction and having `one end connected to a power supply, a second potentiometer-type pressure transducer for continuously measuring the pressure P111 upstream of said restriction and having one terminal connected in common with the other end of said first pressure transducer, a pair .of equal resistance elements connected between the movable contact of said pressure transducers, a high gain amplifier having a infinite input impedance and negligible loutput impedance connected .between the junction of said pair of resistance elements and the other end yof said second pressure transducer to thereby provide a first electrical signal proportion to the ratio of said downstream pressure and said upstream pressure, a function generator means responsive to the loutput of said amplifier for producing a second electrical signal proportional to #Pd/Pnl) equal t 8 between the limits P 2 L i *i d v-l 0 Pu1 7+1 and equal to a t+ 1 lf2 ery n) y Pul Pul 'Y 2 )vd-1 'yd-1 between the limits '1f-1 d 1 (t+1) Pu1 with y equal to the ratio of the specific heats of the gas, a third potentiometer-type pressure transducer for continuously measuring the .pressure P112 upstream of said restriction, a temperature-sensitive resistance element for continuously producing a third electrical signal l/x/, 6 being proportional to the temperature of the gas upstream of said restriction connected between said function generator lmeans and said third pressure transducer, means connected tothe movablevcontact of said third pressure transducer Ifor multiplying its output signal by a value proportional to the yiow coefcient for the restriction and a value proportional to the area of said restriction to thereby produce a fourth electrical signal proportional to the gas weight flow of said gas, an indicating device, means for applying said fourth signal to said indicating device.

4. A device for computing the gas weight flow of a gas through a restriction in a conduit, comprising: a first potentiometer-type pressure transducer for continuously measuring the pressure Pd downstream of said restriction and having one end connected to a power supply, a second potentiometer-type pressure transducer for continuously measuring the pressure Pu upstream of said restriction and having :one terminal connected in common with the other end of said -rst pres-sure transducer, a pair of equal resistance elements connected between the movable contact of saidrpressure transducers, a rst high gain amplifier having a infinite input impedance and negligible output impedance connected between the junction of said pai-r of resistance elements and the :other end of said Second pressure transducer to thereby provide a first electrical signal proportional to the ratio of said downstream pressure and said upstream pressure, function generator means responsive to the output of said amplifier for producing a second electrical signal proportional to #Pd/P111) equal to between the limits 2 Fi L fi T Pnl Pu1 2 fa (mi between the limits a thi1d potentiometer-type pressure transducer yfor continuously measuring the pressure Pug upstream of said restriction, a temperature-sensitive resistance element for continuously producing a third electrical signal 1/\/0, 0 being proportional to the temperature of the `gas upstream of said restriction connected between said function generator means and said third pressure transducer, a second high gain amplifier, means for connecting the movable contact of said third pressure transducer to the input of said second amplifier, means for varying the gain of said second amplifier, means for multiplying the .output signal of said second amplifier 'by a value proportional to the flow coefficient 4for the restriction and a value proportional to the area of said restriction to thereby produce a fourth electrical signal proportional to the gas weight flow `of said gas, an indicating device, means for applying said fourth signal to said indicating device.

5. A device for computing the ga-s weight iiow of a gas through a restriction in a conduit, comprising: a first potentiometer-type pressure transducer for continuously measuring the pressure Pd downstream of said restriction and having one end connected to a power supply, a second potentiometer-type pressure transducer `for continuously measuring the pressure Pnl upstream of said Irestriction and having one terminal connected in common with the `other end .of said first pressure transducer, a pair of equal resistance elements connected between the movable contact of said pressure transducers, a first high 4gain amplifier having a infinite input impedance and negligible output impedance connected between the junction of said pair of resistance elements and the other end of said second pressure transducer to thereby provide a first electrical signal proportional to the ratio of said downstream pressure and said upstream pressure, function `generator means responsive to the output of said amplifier for producing a second electrical signal proportional to MPa/Pnl) equal 2. lil 1/2 [(-2 )t1-(#2 'v -i- 1 'Y -il l 2 'y-l 7 1 between the limits and equal to between the limits (rfi with y equal to the ratio of the specific heats of the gas, a third potentiometer-type pressure transducer for continuously measuring the pressure Pug upstream of said restriction, a temperature-sensitive resistance element for continuously producing a third electrical signal 1/\/0, 0 being proportional to the temperature of the gas upstream of said restriction connected between said function generat-or means and said third pressure transducer, a second high `gain amplifier, means for connecting the movable contact lof said third pressure transducer to the input of said second amplifier, means for varying the gain of said second amplifier, a precision multiturn potentiometer connected in the output circuit of said second amplifier, dial means on said multiturn potentiometer whereby a value proportional to the fioW coefficient for the area of said restriction may be set on said precision potentiometer, an indicating device, means for applying the output of said multiturn potentiometer to said indicating device.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,749,036 6/ 1956 LangWorthy 235-195 2,959,958 1l/l96-O Savet 73-181 v3,108,929 10/1963 Tolin et al. 202-160 3,162,759 12/1964 Robinson 23S-196 3,173,003 3/ 1965 Muller-Girard 23S-193 5 MALCOLM A. MORRISON, Primary Examiner.

I. KESCHNER, Assistant Examiner. 

1. A DEVICE FOR COMPUTING THE GAS WEIGHT FLOW OF A GAS THROUGH A RESTRICTION IN A CONDUIT, COMPRISING: A FIRST MEANS FOR CONTINUOUSLY MEASURING THE PRESSURE (PU1) UPSTREAM OF SAID RESTRICTION, MEANS FOR CONTINUOUSLY MEASURING THE PRESSURE (PD) DOWNSTREAM OF SAID RESTRICTION, MEANS FOR CONTINUOUSLY PRODUCING A FIRST ELECTRICAL SIGNAL PROPORTIONAL TO THE RATIO OF SAID DOWNSTREAM PRESSURE AND SAID UPSTREAM PRESSURE, MEANS, RESPONSIVE TO SAID RATIO SIGNAL, FOR PRODUCING A SECOND SIGNAL PROPORTIONAL TO F(PD/PU1) EQUAL TO 